Nat Geo Photographer Captures The Beauty That Transcends Our Differences with Dewitt Jones (Episode #160)
Renowned National Geographic Photographer Dewitt Jones shares with us a life-changing habit, available to us all: celebrate what’s right with the world. The perspectives he shares today can open up a radically improved landscape of possibilities for you and I. As a bonus, today’s video episode contains some of his most inspiring images: stunning views of the night sky, time lapses of water rushing in on the shore beneath a gorgeous sky, beautifully-lit hot air balloons reflecting off the water below, and more. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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About Our Guest:
Dewitt Jones is the famous Nat Geo photographer responsible for one of the most uplifting TED talks you will ever watch… and watch again… and watch again… whenever you need to be reminded to give your attention to what truly matters.
As a bonus, if you head to our YouTube channel to view this episode, you will see some breathtaking photographs that Dewitt had shared with us, sprinkled throughout the episode. There, you will undoubtedly see why he is considered a luminary in the world of photography and visual storytelling.
Armed with his camera and an insatiable curiosity, his career soared as he refined his craft, merging technical expertise with an extraordinary ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. With a career spanning decades, Dewitt’s photographic odyssey has seen him immortalize moments of unparalleled beauty, grace, and human connection. His lens serves as a conduit, inviting us to delve deeper into the stories hidden within each frame, unveiling the universal truths that bind us all.
Today he shares with us some of the very best insights he’s learned in his long life of creativity and connection with ordinary people all over the planet. We talk about…
- “Beauty” in a way that gives us fresh eyes,
- Striving for “Life Blend” instead of “Life Balance,”
- A few phrases that have the power to change our future.
- A Byron Katy quote that we can use tomorrow to prevent moments of completely unnecessary friction and struggle,
- And more!
Why are Dewitt’s perspectives so fresh and compelling? Traveling the world on assignments for Nat Geo usually sent him to small, rural places where nature’s beauty and diversity was all around, and it was in those places that everyday wonder and wisdom could rise to the top.
What he saw in the world was NOT the strange tension… division, hate, outrage, and mean spiritedness that we see in the news and social media. Instead, he reminds us that, by far, most of us are living life at a much higher level than that. And we don’t have to be a part of the noisy swirl of anger, anxiety, and discouragement that the news and social media tries to drag us into!
Nature is still saying to Dewitt Jones, “There is more than one right answer, so choose your worldview. And pick your lens carefully!” He encourages us to always try to get past our first answers, so we get comfortable and expert at reframing obstacles into opportunity.
Beyond his exceptional skill behind the camera, Dewitt is a captivating storyteller and motivational speaker. No doubt an offshoot of his amazing education: He was a cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Drama, and holds a Masters Degree in film making from UCLA. Through his talks, workshops, and books, Dewitt inspires countless individuals to embrace their unique perspectives, fostering a mindset that celebrates the beauty of the world around us.
Dewitt is recognized as a world class lecturer. His knowledge of the creative process, his relaxed and genuine style, and his ability to communicate make his presentations truly outstanding. He has published nine books, including California, Visions of Wilderness, What The Road Passes By, Robert Frost: A Tribute To The Source, Canyon Country, and even a short documentary; John Muir’s High Sierra. His most recent book, The Nature of Leadership, was created in collaboration with Stephen R. Covey (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People).
Throughout our conversation today, we’ll explore Dewitt Jones’ creative process, his most profound experiences, and the lessons he’s learned through the lens. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of photography as an art form and delve into the philosophies that have guided Dewitt’s remarkable career.
References Mentioned:
Chapters:
- 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
- 03:03 – Embracing Easy Doors
- 06:09 – Celebrating the World
- 08:42 – Practicing Beauty
- 19:34 – Multiple Right Answers
- 25:36 – Maximizing Potential
- 27:39 – Understanding Legacy
- 34:00 – Nature’s Imagery
- 43:27 – Beauty in Leadership
- 52:16 – Wish for the World
- 55:05 – Lessons from Photography
